Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neurological, muscular, and skeletal complaints. The first chiropractic adjustment dates back to 1895 and is widely practiced across the globe. Chiropractic in itself is a science, where through precise cervical manipulation, the body is enabled to heal itself. Doctors of Chiropractic are well educated professionals who provide safe and effective medical care for people of all ages. Their extensive and diverse education has prepared them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to get those patients the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a medical specialist.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Generally, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt. During an adjustment, a doctor of chiropractic will apply pressure to specific joints in the spine, neck, or extremities with either their hands or with an instrument. When the pressure is applied, a person may feel slightly uncomfortable, however this pressure is typically released in seconds. Afterwards, most patients report feeling a pleasant, relaxed feeling as the subluxation (blockage) has been removed.

If you are feeling any discomfort after an adjustment, speak to your chiropractor as they will be able to best explain the root cause of this.

What do chiropractic doctors do?

A chiropractor is a doctor focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Rather than using pharmaceutical drugs to treat symptoms, the treatments they offer assist the body in healing itself. Their primary way of caring for patients is through chiropractic adjustments, which is a natural health care treatment that removes blockages within the nervous system. Most doctors of chiropractic also undergo extensive training in nutrition and can provide other scientifically-backed health care options that are drug-free and promote healing and wellness.

How long will I need chiropractic care?

This varies from person to person. We usually recommend that most new patients start out with frequent visits in the beginning, then gradually reduce them over time.

Receiving chiropractic care is similar to receiving regular cleanings and check-ups with a dentist. If you’ve never seen a dentist in your first 30 years of life, you will most likely have damage to your teeth and will need more work initially to bring your teeth and gums back into a healthy state. After that, your dentist will recommend regular check-ups every six months. It is similar with chiropractic care.

In your report of findings (or your second appointment with Dr. Shaft), she will recommend an exact course of treatment based on what your body needs. After that initial treatment plan is completed, we generally recommend patients come in 1-2 times a month to maintain their overall well-being, but should receive quarterly adjustments at an absolute minimum. This is because your skeletal and nervous systems withstand high amounts of stress through the course of every day life. Much in the same way we take our cars in for maintenance to keep it running smoothly, and save money and time in the future by avoiding a larger problem, so maintenance adjustments are necessary to keep your body in optimal health. Skipping maintenance visits may cause issues that need to be addressed with another care plan.

Can I adjust myself?

Contrary to popular belief, no, you cannot adjust yourself. When you try to adjust yourself, the specific vertebrae in your spine that is jammed (or is subluxated) is not being affected. Any movement you feel during a “self-adjustment” actually comes from the shifting of joints that are already loose, and putting pressure on these areas can actually further damage your spine. So, while it is possible to “crack your back,” you are not actually adjusting yourself and in many cases, are worsening the existing problem.

What is that popping sound?

Popping or cracking noises can be intimidating to patients hearing them for the first time, but they are nothing to be concerned over. When receiving an adjustment, joints and vertebrae in your spine that were previously locked (or subluxated) will move back into their natural state. The noise you hear is produced when air escapes from between those locked joints.

Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

This answer will vary from patient to patient. Most times, patients who have had serious back injuries do benefit from chiropractic care. However, in other cases, adjustments will need to be limited.

For those who have had back surgery, herniated discs, or other serious back injuries, we recommend you schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Shaft. There, she will review your medical history with you and direct you to the best course of action suited for long-term healing and wellness.

What kind of education do chiropractors have?

Education requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. To attend a chiropractic college, a future DC will have needed to have already completed four years of pre-medical undergraduate course work. While attending a chiropractic college, 4-5 additional years of academic study are required. Like other primary health care doctors, chiropractic students also must spent a significant amount of time in clinical study, learning everything from intricate adjusting techniques to evaluating and caring for patients.

In total, a Doctor of Chiropractic will have completed (at minimum) 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience – over 2,400 hours of which are at a graduate level. They must also pass a national exam, a state-level chiropractic board exam, and a diplomate specialty board to be licensed. In comparison, most MDs are required to complete approximate 2,000 hours of graduate coursework, a state-level medical board, and potentially a national-level specialty board to practice.

Do I need a referral from my MD?

No. Appointments for chiropractic care can be made by anyone, however your insurance may have specific requests in order for you to receive care.

Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?

Yes. Many insurance plans do offer chiropractic coverage. You can find our list of accepted insurances here. In addition to insurance plans, Dr. Shaft also receives payments through HSA accounts.